Berlin’s most famous landmarks and impressive buildings will be glowing and sparkling with various colors and types of light, projections and fireworks. Numerous cultural events; such as concerts, parties, and special restaurant menus and happy hours; will accompany the light festival.
Most of Berlin’s well-known historic landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate, the TV Tower and the Berliner Dom will be lit. Additionally, several hotels and embassies will have their own light projections dancing across their facades. Other areas of cultural interest, such as museums, shopping centers and parks, will also participate.
2008 Festival's Special Events
This year the festival has a few firsts. On October 25, 2008, a 7.5 kilometer “Light Run” will take place through the historic district of Berlin and will end at the illuminated central station, Hauptbahnhof. The Brandenburg Gate will have a special video projection on it displaying messages.
“People from all over the world are invited to submit their greetings and wishes,” said Algan Rahime of Business Network Marketing Berlin. “They will be displayed with the name of the sender and can also be watched online via web cam.”
Union Investment Real Estate AG, one of the organizers of the festival, is a client of Business Network Marketing Berlin. The City Foundation Berlin and ten different artists and companies also organize the festival.
The Gendarmenmarkt square is another highlight this year. With the motto “a sign for Berlin” the square will be the city’s largest light installation.
Lightseeing with Bus, Ship, Taxi or Foot
The festival is open and free, so visitors and Berliners can experience it however they want. A light guide, showing the locations of all the participating buildings, can be downloaded from the Festival’s Web site. Most of the sites are within walking distance to each other, or a quick “Bahn” ride away.
Special tours are available by bus or by ship along the river Spree. Velo-taxis, or modern-day rickshaws, will be driving special evening routes to enjoy the lights. The taxis are available without a reservation and can be found at Potsdamer Platz, Alexanderplatz in front of the TV tower, Brandenburger Tor and the KaDeWe shopping center. It is recommended that larger groups reserve taxis. The price of a tour is based on the number of kilometers traveled, starting at 2.50 Euros and then 1.50 for each kilometer traveled.
Marriages Among the Lights
During the festival, couples can tie the knot overlooking the sparkling city on the 37th floor of the Park Inn Alexanderplatz hotel.
To be considered, each couple must send an e-mail telling the story of how they met. Couples with the funniest, most interesting or romantic stories win the spots. This year three weddings will take place.
Competition and Awards
The festival also offers chances for competition. Citizen photographers can send in their best pictures for a chance to win money as one of the top three finalists. A hotel award goes to the most dazzling lit hotel, as voted by visitors.
Last year’s winner was Berlin’s most prestigious hotel, the Adlon Kempinski. Designed by Berlin light-designer Daniel Markgraf from Skudi Optics, the hotel had seven different light designs projected on the hotel. Each display was of a section of the hotel’s interior from a certain era, to mark its 100th anniversary. The hotel will not be participating this year.
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